Alzheimer’s Disease and the Minority Community:Making the Connection

The Multicultural Outreach program at the Alzheimer's Association strives to raise awareness and connect African-American/Black and Hispanic/Latino families to educational programs and supportive services for those affected by Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

Did you know that age is the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease? There are 2.7 million African-Americans age 65 and over in this country and by the year 2050, it is projected that this number will increase to 8.6 million. The life expectancy of Hispanics will increase to age 87 by 2050, surpassing all other ethnic groups in the United States. Studies have shown that Blacks/African-Americans are two times more likely, and Hispanics/Latinos are one and a half times more likely, to develop Alzheimer's disease compared to Whites/Caucasions.

Did you know high blood pressure and high cholesterol occur more frequently in African-Americans? Vascular diseases disproportionately affect African-Americans and therefore increase their rate for developing Alzheimer's disease. Hispanics also have high rates of vascular disease, which put them at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. Due to disparities in health coverage, both the African-American and Hispanic communities are less likely to receive medical services needed to monitor and control vascular conditions that may lead to Alzheimer's Disease.

We can work together to bring about awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's disease not only in the African-American/Black and Hispanic/Latino communities but in all ethnic minority communities.

If you are interested in having a Community Education program about Alzheimer's disease/dementia at your church, senior center or another organization in the Greater Cincinnati area, please call 513-721-4284.

Mosaic Advisory Council

The Mosaic Advisory Council at the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati helps conduct outreach to raise awareness and increase understanding of Alzheimer's disease/dementia in all minority communities.

The Alzheimer's Association staff and volunteer members of the Mosaic Council provide culturally competent literature and community education programs at churches, senior centers, health fairs and other locations. Call 513.721.4284 for more information.

Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia is very challenging. Please join us to learn how to cope with this daily challenge faced by families who care for a loved one. Special Speaker Joya Sykes, DO, a Family Practice Physician at Mercy Health Physicians.

Where: Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action AgencyDate: Tuesday, June 30Time: Program: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Registration and exhibitors open at 8:00 a.m.Cost: Free, but advance registration is required.Contact: For more information call the Cincinnai office at 1-800-272-3900 or click here for a registration form.

Hispanics and Alzheimer's Disease2014 Hispanic Community Update and Forum

Join us to learn more about how Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias affect the Hispanic community. This interactive forum will include Dr. Jennifer Rose V. Molano, neurologist from the UC Memory Disorders Center and our guest expert panelists to address the most updated facts and figuresm the latest in reaearch and advocacy efforts to end the disease.